Signature Service

Cooperative Family Law

Ending a marriage or creating a parenting plan doesn't have to be stressful, lengthy, or expensive. We pioneered a better way.

Cooperative Family Law is an amicable, out-of-court approach to divorce and parenting plans in which one neutral law firm works with both spouses together, representing the process rather than either side, to reach an agreement and get it drafted and filed properly.

A&M Law, led by Misty D. Gaubatz and Ashley Hurlbert, pioneered the neutral cooperative model in Missoula and Western Montana. Most couples reach a resolution in about two to four weeks, at a fraction of the cost and stress of a contested court case.

What Is It?

A Kinder, Faster Path Through Divorce and Family Transitions

Cooperative Family Law is an approach to divorce and family matters that Misty Gaubatz and Ashley Hurlbert co-developed right here in Western Montana. Rather than pitting spouses against each other in drawn-out adversarial proceedings, the cooperative approach brings both spouses together with us in a structured, solution-focused process.

We serve as neutrals. Rather than each of you hiring your own lawyer to square off, you come to us together, usually before either of you has hired a lawyer, and we guide the whole process. We don't represent either spouse individually or give one-on-one advice. Our guidance is mutual, given to both of you in the same room, and everything you share with us is protected. You and your spouse control the decisions about your children, assets, and futures. We guide and protect the process, but don't inflame it.

The result: less stress, shorter timelines, lower cost, and outcomes that both parties can actually live with. A&M Law has successfully helped dozens of couples peacefully end their marriages and create workable parenting plans throughout Missoula, the Bitterroot Valley, and Western Montana.

You Control the Outcome

Both parties retain final say over decisions about children, assets, and the future, not a judge.

Lower Cost

Because the process is cooperative rather than combative, legal fees are significantly lower than traditional litigation.

Faster Resolution

Without the delays of contested court hearings, most cooperative cases resolve in about 2 to 4 weeks on average, not the months or years a contested divorce can take.

Better for Children

Children benefit most when parents can co-exist civilly. The cooperative process sets that tone from day one.

Dignity Intact

Both parties leave the process with their dignity, and their relationship with their children, intact.

Neutral Legal Guidance

We serve as a neutral for both of you, explaining the law and what a court would likely do, so you can decide together with full information.

Watch

It Doesn't Have to Be a Battle

Hear Misty Gaubatz and Ashley Hurlbert discuss their approach to family law and what led them to pioneer Cooperative Family Law in Montana.

Visit the Cooperative Family Law Podcast →

Serving

Missoula · The Bitterroot Valley · Western Montana

We serve families throughout Western Montana. Call 406-830-3060 to speak with Misty or Ashley about whether Cooperative Family Law is right for your situation.

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Explore Cooperative Family Law

How Cooperative Family Law Works

A step-by-step guide to the cooperative process.

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Cooperative Family Law FAQ

Answers to the most common questions we hear.

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Cooperative Divorce Cost

What does a cooperative divorce actually cost?

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Cooperative Parenting Plan

Building a plan that puts your children first.

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Cooperative vs. Collaborative Divorce

What's the difference, and which is right for you?

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Cooperative Divorce vs. Mediation

Two paths compared: which one fits your situation?

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Cooperative Family Law Podcast

Listen to our podcast: "It Doesn't Have to Be a Battle."

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Areas We Serve

FAQ

Cooperative Family Law, Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cooperative Family Law?

Cooperative Family Law is an amicable, out-of-court approach to divorce and parenting matters. A&M Law serves as neutrals representing the process rather than either spouse, helping a couple reach their own agreement and get it drafted and filed properly.

How is it different from each spouse hiring a lawyer?

In the cooperative model, one neutral firm works with both people together, usually before either spouse has retained their own opposing attorney. There is no one-on-one advocacy for either side; all legal guidance is given jointly to both parties. If either person ever wants their own lawyer, nothing stops them.

Is the process confidential?

Yes. What you bring to the process is protected. Because we act as neutrals for both parties, we can speak openly with both of you about the law and your options while keeping your information confidential.

How long does a cooperative divorce take?

Many couples reach a resolution in about two to four weeks, far faster than a contested court case. Because you work together rather than through opposing lawyers, there is far less back-and-forth and delay.

What happens if we disagree on something?

We explain the law and what a judge would typically decide, then help you find middle ground and creative, customized solutions. Working together gives you far more latitude than a one-size-fits-all court ruling.

Is Cooperative Family Law Right for You?

Call us to talk through your situation. We'll tell you honestly whether the cooperative approach makes sense, and what to expect.

Call 406-830-3060Send a Message